DeCastro and Pouncey

[StillerInCT]

Could they be All-Pros this year? I know we give up a bunch of sacks as a unit but these two guys have played very well in the middle. We probably have the best run game in the league in large part due to these guys especially DD. I think at the very least DeCastro could get selected.

I didn't love the Pouncey extension (at the time) but these two together is a positive for this offense.

[R_S]

Pouncey is turning out to be a good signing. Knock on wood. I was definitely a little worried he'd go down the Woodley path.

[Steelafan77]

Now if only they could draft a couple a all pro's at either tackle and LG.

[Legacy User]

FWIW Beachum is statistically one of the better LT's in the league.

[Steelafan77]

I agree Beachum does hold his own with that counter trey they run so well. Pass pro is his struggle. No one is perfect. That said, LG and both Tackle positions are upgradeable IMO.

[955876]

Pouncey is turning out to be a good signing. Knock on wood. I was definitely a little worried he'd go down the Woodley path.

Me as well.

Have been pleasantly surprised with Pouncey this year. Hope he keeps it up.

[bradshaw2ben]

I agree Beachum does hold his own with that counter trey they run so well. Pass pro is his struggle. No one is perfect. That said, LG and both Tackle positions are upgradeable IMO.

He's a left tackle, protecting the most valuable/expensive/irreplaceable asset in the whole organization. if his pass pro is a struggle, he's not "one of the better LT's in the league."

[86n96]

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2014/12/8/7352507/kelvin-beachum-lawrence-timmons-receiving-top-pro-football-focus

He was given a 4.1 grade for his performance in the Steelers' 42-21 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, and with it, he boosted his overall grade to 16.8, the fifth-highest mark among offensive tackles in the NFL.

[Legacy User]

Just like Ben, he's hard on the eye test when it comes to the Stereotype of what a world-class left tackle looks like...To me, there are much more dire needs than anything on the offensive line. At some point we look to upgrade Foster with a younger replacement, however, we can probably throw a late draft pick or two at it and find something.

I could see next year's draft looking like:

1 CB
2 TE/CB
3 CB/TE
4 OLB
5 RB
6 DL
7 CB

[Steelperch]

Decastro won't be an All Pro or Pro Bowler this year. Maybe in a year or two he might. As far as Beachum goes, I've said for years all they need from the LT spot is mediocrity or better. Beachum has been that and the offense is having one of it's best statistical seasons ever.

[Legacy User]

I've come around on Beachum as well.

No one we could draft would be a better LT next year imo. Beachum keeps improving. To be able to run the offense the way I would like really requires better pass pro from both OTs then they have showed to this point. So I'm not going to reach for an OT that won't solve anything next year.

[Legacy User]

Beachum has been very steady. They don't need him to be an All-Pro, just mostly get the job done. He is doing that and they will not have to pay him top dollar. That's huge.

Give Munchak another year with these guys and they will be a very, very solid OL. We are already seeing it at times this year but need a bit more consistency.

[bradshaw2ben]

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2014/12/8/7352507/kelvin-beachum-lawrence-timmons-receiving-top-pro-football-focus

He was given a 4.1 grade for his performance in the Steelers' 42-21 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, and with it, he boosted his overall grade to 16.8, the fifth-highest mark among offensive tackles in the NFL, according the most inane, knowledge-less, unexpert rankings put together by football neophytes with absolutely no vetting or football knowledge requirements... i.e.: pointless, hackneyed, and utterly lacking in believability.

fixed

[Legacy User]

Isnt Chris Collinsworth a part owner or investor in PFF?

[bradshaw2ben]

I've come around on Beachum as well.

No one we could draft would be a better LT next year imo. Beachum keeps improving. To be able to run the offense the way I would like really requires better pass pro from both OTs then they have showed to this point. So I'm not going to reach for an OT that won't solve anything next year.

I don't think they should reach-- but they've got to get a guy they can train in a year and expect him to be better than the current LT... otherwise, I predict we are going to be lamenting the LT situation midway through 2015 or sooner.

2 Pass rushers, a plus FS and or CB, LT, move TE, PR/KR, backup RB, backup DE, a serviceable CB, backup OG... these are the needs once this offseason hits.

[Legacy User]

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2014/12/8/7352507/kelvin-beachum-lawrence-timmons-receiving-top-pro-football-focus

He was given a 4.1 grade for his performance in the Steelers' 42-21 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, and with it, he boosted his overall grade to 16.8, the fifth-highest mark among offensive tackles in the NFL, according the most inane, knowledge-less, unexpert rankings put together by football neophytes with absolutely no vetting or football knowledge requirements... i.e.: pointless, hackneyed, and utterly lacking in believability.

fixed

[Legacy User]

well played B2B

[Steelafan77]

I agree Beachum does hold his own with that counter trey they run so well. Pass pro is his struggle. No one is perfect. That said, LG and both Tackle positions are upgradeable IMO.

He's a left tackle, protecting the most valuable/expensive/irreplaceable asset in the whole organization. if his pass pro is a struggle, he's not "one of the better LT's in the league."

Am in agreement Beachum has good results run blocking. Pass Pro is his weakness. Due IMO to his physical limitations. Lacks length and upper body strength. Never said he was even a better tackle. And I did state there's room for improvement there. What I'd like to see is Beachum and Gilbert duke it out for LG (loser is swiss army Olineman) and this franchise to either draft an actual LT or spend some money and bring in a Legit LT. I think that all but solidifies the OLine for the next 5-10 years.

[86n96]

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2014/12/8/7352507/kelvin-beachum-lawrence-timmons-receiving-top-pro-football-focus

He was given a 4.1 grade for his performance in the Steelers' 42-21 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, and with it, he boosted his overall grade to 16.8, the fifth-highest mark among offensive tackles in the NFL, according the most inane, knowledge-less, unexpert rankings put together by football neophytes with absolutely no vetting or football knowledge requirements... i.e.: pointless, hackneyed, and utterly lacking in believability.

fixed

i was just contributing. i'm opinion-less on beachum. i'd take a LT, but i see greater need elsewhere.

[R_S]

Very high bust factor on left tackles taken in early rounds, if I recall.

[Legacy User]

I don't rely on PFF at all.

But it's clear to me Beachum has made alot of progress this season. He has that sort of work ethic. As of now I expect 4 LT's to be first round worthy and I doubt we have a shot at any of them. I do think there will be value at RT between rounds 2-4.

Beachum actually struggles more with speed then anything else and that could continue to improve. I'm fine with occasionally giving Beachum help at LT, there are only a handful of NFL LT's that never need help. So I'm more inclined to grab a RT that would sit behind Gilbert this year and eventually move to RT when we can move Gilbert inside for Foster..and that could happen next year with the right selection.

[Ice]

I just see the leaky sieve that is our defense at pretty much every level (ILB and DL have a chance to be good pretty soon, and have a chance to be very solid with health/good player personnel decisions, etc. Other than that...), and look at the improving nature of our line (DeCastro has continued the trajectory from the end of last season, Pouncey has bounced back in a big way, Beachum continues to be a scrapper, and has improved somewhat, Gilbert has even been better in the run game, Adams has looked damn close to serviceable at times), and can't help but think that we ought to give the line another year to gel and improve with coaching, and focus on continuing the revamp of the defense, particularly the back end of it.

[StillerInCT]

I just see the leaky sieve that is our defense at pretty much every level (ILB and DL have a chance to be good pretty soon, and have a chance to be very solid with health/good player personnel decisions, etc. Other than that...), and look at the improving nature of our line (DeCastro has continued the trajectory from the end of last season, Pouncey has bounced back in a big way, Beachum continues to be a scrapper, and has improved somewhat, Gilbert has even been better in the run game, Adams has looked damn close to serviceable at times), and can't help but think that we ought to give the line another year to gel and improve with coaching, and focus on continuing the revamp of the defense, particularly the back end of it.

This is where I'm at. BPA is the best way to go on R1 but after that focus on defense. Pick up a lineman in the middle rounds. I think this OLine is good enough to compete with. Our defense on the other hand....

[Legacy User]

2 Pass rushers, a plus FS and or CB, LT, move TE, PR/KR, backup RB, backup DE, a serviceable CB, backup OG... these are the needs once this offseason hits.

we've drafted multiple pass rushers early the last few years
we brought in a "big name" FA for FS
we have drafted 2 LTs in the top 2 rounds recently
we don't do "move TE"
we have drafted 2 PR/KRs in the 3rd round in the last few years
we have drafted 3 DEs in the first 2 rounds the last few years
we don't do "serviceable CB", we do "sling shit at a wall and if it sticks, get rid of it"

not that I disagree with your assertions, mind you...

[Legacy User]

Maybe Gronkflower will bloom this offseason. Can't be worse than His Name Is David Paulson.

[bradshaw2ben]

Gronkflower's replacement is Gronkflower's replacement. Jean Sifrin, UMass.

[steeledge]

Beachum has been very steady. They don't need him to be an All-Pro, just mostly get the job done. He is doing that and they will not have to pay him top dollar. That's huge.

Give Munchak another year with these guys and they will be a very, very solid OL. We are already seeing it at times this year but need a bit more consistency.

If we "Give Munchak another year", is it also plausible that Gilbert or Adams could compete for the starting LT spot?

Either one has the more typical body type to play the position at this level, and if it's Gilbert to LT, Adams has shown he could do nicely at RT.

Or, do we think that ship has sailed?

[StillMadAtSlobber]

Just like Ben, he's hard on the eye test when it comes to the Stereotype of what a world-class left tackle looks like...To me, there are much more dire needs than anything on the offensive line. At some point we look to upgrade Foster with a younger replacement, however, we can probably throw a late draft pick or two at it and find something.

I could see next year's draft looking like:

1 CB
2 TE/CB
3 CB/TE
4 OLB
5 RB
6 DL
7 CB

While I agree with that selection of picks, I cant see them not taking a flyer on a T somewhere.
Very possible the FO substitutes T for TE in what you have above. We have seen no sign that they are unhappy with the TE corp.
Heath has another year to pay/play, and Ben has a fine selection of weapons to throw the ball to otherwise. The hard-on for
Gronk/Gates/etc crew here doesnt get it that the FO wont draft that over another blocking type who can also catch.

[Legacy User]

I won't be that surprised with a "shock" first rounder- Melvin Gordon, Danny Shelton, or AJ Cann.

Not sayin it's going to happen. Not saying I would object either.

[Thrillsseeker]

Just like Ben, he's hard on the eye test when it comes to the Stereotype of what a world-class left tackle looks like...To me, there are much more dire needs than anything on the offensive line. At some point we look to upgrade Foster with a younger replacement, however, we can probably throw a late draft pick or two at it and find something.

I could see next year's draft looking like:

1 CB
2 TE/CB
3 CB/TE
4 OLB
5 RB
6 DL
7 CB

While I agree with that selection of picks, I cant see them not taking a flyer on a T somewhere.
Very possible the FO substitutes T for TE in what you have above. We have seen no sign that they are unhappy with the TE corp.
Heath has another year to pay/play, and Ben has a fine selection of weapons to throw the ball to otherwise. The hard-on for
Gronk/Gates/etc crew here doesnt get it that the FO wont draft that over another blocking type who can also catch.

I agree they sure won't.

Draft I go.
1 CB
2 S
3 CB/OLB
4 OLB/CB
5 RB/TE
6 TE/RB
7 CB/DL


FA: pass rusher.